Cole, Rendon and Virginia lefthander Danny Hultzen have been frequently mentioned as the top candidates to be selected with the top pick.

The Mariners would strongly consider taking Rendon with the second pick if he is available.

Earlier this week, Rendon said he was keeping an open-mind about the draft.

“I’ve been thinking about it my whole,” Rendon said of playing in the big leagues. “It doesn’t matter … No. 1, 2, 3, 10, 15, it doesn’t matter to me. I just want the chance to go play professional baseball.”

Rendon was originally selected in the 27th round by the Atlanta Braves out of Lamar High School in 2008.

“The goal when I came to college was to up my draft stock and mature as player both physically and mentally and physically,” Rendon said.